Football season is now over for local college teams and the Cincinnati Bengals. Giving college basketball more of the spotlight locally. With this in mind, here’s how several local teams are currently faring.

Many local college basketball team’s seasons are going as expected. Cincinnati Basketball is one of those teams; having a relatively rough start to the John Brannen era. The 9-6 Cincinnati Bearcats are a mixed bag so far this season. Their season might turn out like Xavier Basketball’s first year with Travis Steele did. Struggling at times but finding their stride late in the season.

The Bearcats have endured some understandable and baffling losses. Losing to a then and still ranked Ohio State Basketball team. While also beating a then-ranked Tennessee Basketball team. Yet, they also lost to teams many expected them to beat. Like the defending Patriot League champion Colgate Basketball team. Along with their first conference loss against Tulane Basketball.

Cincinnati’s biggest struggle so far is at the charity stripe. Going into this weekend with a 66.5 free-throw percentage. Compared to their 70.2 free-throw percentage last season. Meanwhile, Cincinnati’s most recent game could give fans some hope. That Jarron Cumberland is improving after a rough start.

Cumberland had a game high 22 points on Wednesday against Tulsa Basketball. In a game that the Bearcats won rather handily. The win and Cumberland’s performance could provide a boost going into Saturday. When Cincinnati takes on UCF Basketball in Orlando. That game is set to tip-off at Noon Eastern time on ESPN2.

Xavier Basketball’s season is playing out largely as expected too. Playing-wise, Naji Marshall is Xavier’s most high-profile player. Getting over the 1,000 point mark in his college career on Wednesday. Marshall also leads the team with 248 points so far this season. Xavier is once again not a strong outside shooting team. Having a 30.5 three- point percentage so far this season. Compared to their 33.3 three point percentage last year.

The Xavier Musketeers are 1-2 in Big East play going into Saturday. Facing Creighton Basketball at Xavier’s Cintas Center at 2 PM Eastern time on FOX. Creighton and Xavier are mostly even with each other record-wise. Both going into Saturday with 12-4 overall records. Along with having the same conference records at the moment.

Northern Kentucky Basketball is 10-6 overall going into Friday. While 2-2 in Horizon League play, most recently beating Oakland Basketball last Sunday. The NKU Norse will face UIC Basketball tonight in Chicago. In a rare nationally televised regular season game for the Norse. Tip off is set for 7 PM Eastern time on ESPN2.

The Norse are doing better than Cincinnati and Xavier in at least two areas. NKU has a 32.6 three-point percentage going into Friday. They also have an improving free-throw percentage compared to 2018-19. NKU’s free throw percentage is currently 0.7% better than last season. While Xavier and Cincinnati are currently regressing in that category.